James Ray "Ray" Smith

James Ray Smith , 83, passed away on Friday, July 31, 2015 at Brookdale Jackson Oaks in Jackson, TN.
  He was born March 4, 1932 in Tippah County, MS, the second of seven and oldest son of the late James Roy and Oswin Violet Ray Smith,. At six, the tone was set for his future farming life when he claimed a cow, milked and cared for it. He graduated from Chalybeate High School, joined the Navy and later attended William R. Moore School where he honed his furniture making skills. But interests in cattle and farming continued while working at International Harvester (1950-1981) and upon retirement he became a full-time cattleman. He traveled the country, from Alabama to Montana looking for the best cattle to develop his herd. At one time he was in the top 10% (herd size) of cattle producers in the country. He also owned a feed and supply and offered horse boarding to Memphians near Shelby Forest. He also organized horse shows, raised hogs and became the "hay-man" as he baled hay for commercial use.
  While work was synonymous with Ray, he also enjoyed traveling with his close-knit siblings, attending family gatherings, researching the stock market, following his sports teams and attending basketball games. In last years, failing health limited his activities but he always looked forward to visits from friends and family.
  After being diagnosed with acute leukemia in July, he elected not to pursue treatment, preferring instead to let nature take its course.
  He is survived by his former wife and mother of his children Pat Crawford Smith, his daughter, Jana-Lynn Skelley (Joe) of Germantown, TN and son Mark Ray Smith (Amy) of Jackson, TN and five grandchildren Tara Skelley, Trevor Skelley (Ashley), Clayton Smith, Daniel Smith, and Amanda Smith.
  He also leaves behind five sisters and one brother: Juana Lee Hopper (Mansel) of Tiplersville, MS, Lorraine Skinner (Ralph) of Blue Mountain, MS, Etoyle Warren (John) of Nashville, TN, Randle Smith (Beverly) of Collierville, TN, Louise Bryan (Don) of Hermitage, TN and Martha Rose Jaynes of Atlanta, GA, also many nieces and nephews.
  Visitation will be 5 to 8 PM, Wednesday, August 5 in The Heritage Chapel of The Ripley Funeral Home. Services will be Thursday, August 6 beginning at noon at The Ripley Funeral Home and interment, with military recognition, following at the Providence Cemetery.
  Charitable donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Providence Baptist Church Cemetery Fund (180 CR 201, Tiplersville, MS 38674

Our American Flag at The Ripley Funeral Home entrance honors Mr. Smith and all Veterans for their service to our country..............God Bless America

The Ripley Funeral Home invites you to sign the guestbook and share memories with the Smith Family.